I came across this video the other morning quite by accident when watching a different video I had found on Pinterest. As I listened to the words, they hit pretty close to home. I have been thinking all week about what I should post in this blog and nothing seemed right. I am still not 100% sure what to say. For some reason though, I felt the need to post this video.September was National Depression Awareness Month. Next week is mental illness awareness week. I have been trying to think of ways that I can help bring more awareness to something that I deal with constantly. In the past I haven't talked a lot about my thoughts and feelings and perhaps that has contributed to my getting so low. Since starting this blog and talking more openly, it seems I have had less really bad days. I keep hoping that I can be of help to more than just myself.I had other thoughts about where I was going to go with this post but I have changed my mind. Instead of talking about my depression, I feel like I should write about a few things I have found that can help in knowing how to help someone with depression and also in helping yourself. Forgive me if i have posted any of this before.On Health magazine's website I found this advice:1- Realize treatment is key.2- Get active in their care.3- Talk about it.4- Stay in contact.5- Focus on small goals.6- Read all about it.7- Find local services.8- Encourage doctor visits.9- Pay attention.(http://www.health.com/health/gallery/0,,20452135,00.html)

In an article the Church News published by Salt Lake newspaper, The Deseret News, I found an article from May 2014. It was an article titled, "Depression: More Than a Bad Hair Day," from an address given at BYU Women's Conference. The speakers were Amy C. Curtis and Rebecca H. Jackson and their remarks were from Elder Holland's talk in General Conference a year ago.Quoting President Ezra Taft Benson, Sister Curtis said that prayer is the key to keeping depression from destroying individuals.“Sisters, I testify that the Lord will send answers to prayers with the ability to penetrate the darkest, darkest feelings of depression,” Sister Curtis said. “In fact, when we ask for His Spirit, it has the ability to heal us. The Lord wants to help us mend. We need to ask—and ask often—as often as it takes.”Sister Jackson said the first step to helping a loved one with depression is to acknowledge with compassion that the pain they experience is real and to encourage them to receive help.She went on to say, "Caregivers are vital links in helping those afflicted stay connected to heaven.“I know that each of us can receive that heavenly guidance as we encourage our loved ones who are engulfed by very enormous mists of darkness to keep pressing forward with faith and hope,” she said. “We can become their iron rod, but only as we hold fast to the iron rod.“My earnest prayer is that, as we walk the path required of us, we will be merciful, nonjudgmental, and kind, as Elder Holland asked us to be.”I have read many articles and watched many videos that have helped me in dealing with my own depression. I have said before that a huge thing that helps me is listening to good music. With that I want to share one more video by Rascal Flatts.

Jennifer Gardner

I am an active member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. I struggle with anxiety and depression on a daily basis. I have also recently been diagnosed with Fibromyalgia. I created this blog to share some of the things that I deal with and the ways I handle them and cope.